The 34-year-old, who played more than 250 times for the Cherries, had been in charge of Burnley for nearly two years.

Correspondent Analysis

Howe agonised over whether to leave Bournemouth in the first place just under two years ago, so this surprising move shows just how much of a pull the Dorset club has on him. In football terms he's taking a big gamble. Burnley were in the Premier League just three seasons ago and that's something Bournemouth can only dream of at the moment, even with Russian businessman Max Demin investing heavily. Less than 5,000 watched the club's last home league game. Howe will add numbers to the gate and be a hugely popular appointment, and if he's successful again, will no doubt face the same agonising decision over whether to move on to move up.

But having joined in January 2011 he has failed to make a significant impact at Turf Moor.

On Thursday, Championship club Burnley confirmed they had received an "unwanted approach" for Howe, which was later confirmed to BBC Radio Solent by Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell.

And after announcing his departure back to the Dorset club, Burnley confirmed on their website that Howe's exit was due to "personal and family reasons" but joint chairmen John Banaszkiewicz and Mike Garlick said they had not expected him to leave.

"We are surprised and disappointed that Eddie is leaving a great club like Burnley so soon in the season," a statement from the pair read.

"However, we understand that his decision reflects his personal circumstances rather than any matters at Burnley Football Club, be that supporters, the players or the board."

Burnley have made a mixed start to the Championship season - they lie 16th in the table with 11 points from their first 10 matches.

Howe, who was raised in Dorset, won 51 of his 102 matches in charge of his hometown club and kept them in the Football League in his first season in charge in 2009. The following season they were promoted to League One.

Burnley's assistant manager Jason Tindall, who was also Howe's right-hand man at Bournemouth, has also joined him in moving to the Goldsands Stadium.